Fishing is a rewarding hobby. Think about the many hours you spend on the shores of untamed rivers either alone or with friends. It’s usually pure bliss, and that’s the reason why you keep longing to go back and relive the experiences.
Aside from the naturally stress-relieving nature of the sport, it’s also crucial to have the right gear to make it even more enjoyable. One of the pieces of equipment you wouldn’t want to fall short of is the fishing reel.
It’s your hobby’s lifeline. It helps you cast out the line into the waters and collect fish. Without it, there’s nothing meaningful you‘ll do out there on the river or lake. So, you’d want to purchase the best.
How to Choose Fishing Reel Accessories
There are many different fishing reel accessories in the market. And you must know what to look out for when you start shopping for one. Below are five practical tips to help you choose fishing reel accessories:
Get a Premium Quality Drag Reel
With a poor-quality drag reel, you’ll keep losing fish after fish, and that’s surely frustrating. You’d want high-quality Drag Reels that smoothly release the fishing line into the water so that once you catch a fish on the bait end, the drag reel can spool the line with ease, ensuring you don’t lose the catch.
Aside from that, here are more factors you can look into when selecting a drag reel:
- Technology: Modern drag reels are designed to improve efficiency, unlike earlier ones.
- Speed: A high-speed drag reel helps you battle the fish swiftly and bring it to the shore promptly, meaning you can catch more fish during a given session.
- Line Capacity Rings: These enable you to know how many lines you still have on the drag reel as you fight the fish.
- Ergonomic Design: The drag reel handles should be perfectly curved to match your fingers’ natural posture to avoid undue stress on them. A large knob is also better, as you’re able to grasp it firmly as you spool.
- Ball Bearings: The more ball bearings in the drag reel, the smoother the spinning reel is.
Ultimately, for a good fishing experience, ensure the drag reel you choose works efficiently without any hitches.
Know the Most Appropriate Type of Reel for You
Some reels work well with particular types of fish. Also, some reels are better suited for beginners, while others need experienced fishers.
Here are the three main types:
- Spincast Reel: This is your go-to option if you’re just getting started with fishing. It’s relatively affordable and very simple to use. Usually, you click on a button on the reel to release the line. Holding the button locks the line in position. As such, even your children could use them, given the pretty straightforward operation.
- Spinning Reel: This one stands out due to its flexibility and longevity, as compared to other types. It hangs beneath the fishing rod. They’re more accurate than spincast reels and easier to use than baitcast reels. Moreover, they usually hold more lines than the other reel types.
- Baitcast: These are specifically designed for bigger fish, such as salmon or trout. They can hold heavier fishing lines, which can withstand heavier fish without snapping.
Knowing each type in detail would help you choose the one that’s best suited for you.
Know the Kind of Water You’ll Be Fishing In
While most fishing reel accessories work well in freshwater lakes, others may not be suitable for salty waters.
Typically, you may have to buy slightly high-priced reels when fishing in salty waters because they’re made with corrosion-resistant materials to prevent them from rusting. Aside from this, you’ll also have to buy special cleaning products to prevent rusting.
Additionally, the equipment you purchase depends on the size of the body of water where you fish. If you only go fishing in a small pond, small reels and short lines will work perfectly well. But if you aim to fish in the seas, you should consider purchasing bigger fishing reels.
Pick the Correct Size
Fishing reels come in different sizes. You’d want to pick the correct size to ensure a seamless fishing experience.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a specific reel size:
- The Size of Fish: Generally, larger fish require larger reels, and vice versa is true. Small fish like bluegill may only need a size 1,000 reel, whereas large fish like tuna may require a size 10,000 reel. Below is a breakdown of typical reel sizes and the recommended fish species:
Reel size 1,000: Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Trout, Crappie
Reel size 2,000: Bass, Trout, Bluegill
Reel size 2,500: Walleye, Northern Pike
Reel Size 3,000: Catfish, Walleye, Bass
Reel Size 3,500: Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass, Catfish
- Line Strength: Stronger lines need larger reels to manage the heavier weight.
- Water Salinity: Saltwater reels are generally bigger than freshwater reels because you must use stronger lines when fishing in salty waters.
Consider the Weight and Durability of the Reel
Heavy rods may be advantageous if you’re planning to catch large species of fish. But even so, ensure you can comfortably handle the weight. You wouldn’t want to go fishing with a reel that’s so heavy as it may spoil the fun.
In addition to that, evaluate the material the rods are made from. This determines how durable your fishing reel is. There’s no denying that some brands manufacture reels that last only a few weeks.
They might be cheaper at first, but they’ll cost you more in the long run due to the numerous repairs and replacements you’ll have to do. Therefore, consider buying high-quality fishing reel accessories that can last you several years.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical to choose the right fishing reel accessories to make your expeditions enjoyable. The kind of equipment you purchase primarily depends on the type of fish you’re after, the degree of salinity of the waters you fish in, and your level of experience as an angler.
Most importantly, make a point of getting your fishing accessories from reputable stores that stock first-rate equipment.
This way, you’ll fish for weeks and months without caring about repairs or replacements regarding your fishing reels.